Thank you to Quarto Publishing Group – words & pictures and NetGalley for the e-ARC of this title to read and review. This is such a thoughtfully presented story about Olympian Fatima Whitbread's experiences living at a children's group home as a young child. The book focuses on finding the north star of hope as a guiding light through troubling or uncertain times. It's the author's poignant personal story, but also one about the shared experiences kids may have in these situations, the many different ways a family can look (without judgement to anyone's individual circumstances or abilities), and a showcase of hope and love persisting.

I had to go look up the author when I saw that this was autobiographical. Fatima Whitbread spent most of her young life in foster care, but she felt loved and had the constant presence of someone who cared. That was why she was so comfortable waiting until she found the family she knew was right for her. Her new mother was a javelin coach, and Fatima went on to win Olympic medals and many other honors. This was an inspirational story, but it was also sweet and the pictures were soft and beautiful. Thanks so much to NetGalley for letting me read this.

This is a really beautiful, heart-warming book from cover to cover. It could be a scary subject for the age it's aimed at, but it's quite the opposite.

The illustrations are wonderful and add so much to the story and the world. They're so detailed and all the children and the adults featured have so much character. They're also thankfully really diverse, and I think every child would see themself in here somewhere.

The ending isn't a stereotypical 'happy' ending, but it's not sad either. It's real and it leaves little Fatima safe and sound. It's pitched just right, and the postscript gives us the rest of the story.

I don't think many picture books cover the area of children growing up in care, so it's probably a much needed addition to the shelves of our booksellers.

An interesting story, not quite sure what age it is aimed at - seemed complex for younger children but not enough for older children. Nevertheless it covers an important topic and will find its niche.

A lovely book with a beautiful message and story. The drawings make the books whimsical and fun to look at. The story can be seen as quite heaving but the sunny outlook and the wonderful aunt Rae make it a wonderful read.

This story was a little sad. Its about a girl who is left at a children’s s home and it touched my heart. Its also about showing how important it is to have at least that one person in life who will show you love no matter what hardships you may be going through. I empathized with the character as I have a friend with an adopted son and have never put too much thought into how the kids may feel. Its a very heart warming book and I enjoyed it.

A very moving story about growing up in the care system. This book delicately explores what it is like to wait for your 'forever family' whilst absorbing all the love and support from those around her. Beautiful and vibrant illustrations that draw you in, and a focus on finding the positives in a difficult situation!

Free proof copy provided by Netgalley.

A lovely picture book about a girl living in foster care waiting for the right family to come along, and the love that can be found.
A really important book for those children not living with their biological families, beautifully presented and accessible.

A beautifully illustrated book with a powerful message. Fatima, the author and main character, lives in a children’s home with Aunty Rae while searching for her forever home. I think this story could help any reader—from those who could see themselves and their stories reflected in Fatima to those who could learn more about different living situations and family dynamics. I personally wish that the story included the ending mentioned in the Author’s Note, but it’s still lovely.

Fatima is growing up in a children's home and wonders if she will ever find her new family. Through the ups and downs Aunty Rae is there to support and guide her, providing a loving parental figure. This is a unique and touching picture book, beautifully illustrated, powerfully quiet and thoughtful.
I found the information at the end about Fatima Whitbread's incredible experiences really useful context. Parents might want to read this first and reflect on how to help their children understand what it might be like to live in the care system, especially for younger children for whom this might be the first time they've heard of children living in care.

This is such a touching book, based on Fatima Whitbread’s journey through the care system and her search for a home. The illustrations are beautiful and the story deeply moving, reflecting how kindness and love make a difference.

What a touching story! It is a rather unusual topic. I love the ending too as it offers so much hope for the less fortunate.

In "My Bright Shining Star", Fatima's future is uncertain—but her present is secure. Living in a children's home, she might not know if or when she'll find a new family, but for the time being she has the security of Aunty Rae, the bright shining star who carries her through.

This picture book is informed by the author's experiences growing up in the care system, but more than that it's a tribute to a woman who provided a sense of stability in Whitbread's childhood. After finishing the picture book I looked up an old interview with Whitbread, and safe to say that (appropriate for the age group) this is a much, much happier version of events than her lived experience. When she got older, Whitbread was a very successful athlete, and I love that she has chosen here to focus not on athletics (there are lots of books about sports and success stories) but instead on children who might feel forgotten; I can imagine this being a reassuring gift for a child entering the foster care system.

The art is simple and playful, with a lot of warmth and color. An excellent addition to a library or classroom.

Thanks to the author and publisher for providing a review copy through NetGalley.

Firstly, I'd like to extend a thanks to the author, Fatima Whitbread, the illustrator, Rhian Wright, the publisher, Words & Pictures, and NetGalley for allowing me to read this title, My Bright Shining Star. This is a lovely and beautiful picture book for children aged 4-8, with amazing, detailed illustrations with characters that jump to life on the page. The story itself follows young Fatima as she made her way to a children's home under the care of a very kind lady named Aunty Rae. Aunty Rae gives Fatima the guidance and love she needs at a time when she was very vulnerable and needing an adult who was stable and generous. At the end of the story, you discover that Fatima did find a home with her adoptive mother eventually when she was 14 years old, and went on to become an Olympic javelin thrower - an amazing and inspiring story that is sure to capture the hearts of both children and their adults! There aren't many stories told from the perspective of children who live in foster situations, and this story is well-told and empathetic towards the situation of everyone involved. I really enjoyed this story and I'm so glad the author is able to share her story with other children who will find her motivating!

This is a beautiful look at being a child who lives in a home and is searching for their family. Luckily she has a caretaker who is loving to her and supports her as she tries to find where she belongs. Beautiful illustrations.

Thanks NetGalley for this ARC.

The Illustrations and cover were beautifully done. I love the concept of the book. I thought it portrayed a positive side of foster homes from the children and care workers perspective. I read it to my daughter (8) she was confused with lots of questions. Yes, questions are definitely good and open a window for discussion.

This was really sweet and I think a really good subject for a children's book. I think whilst initially the subject - living in a children's group home - could be seen as quite a heavy but i think this was done in a way for children to really connect to. The illustrations were really beautiful and I really loved the message. I loved the focus on care workers who really dedicate their lives to looking after children.

A moving #ownvoices story written by an Olympic athlete that details their experience growing up in care homes. Beautifully illustrated, this is an important book for any child living in foster care or just as a way for other young readers to better empathize with any peers they might have who are in the care system. Highly recommended! Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital copy in exchange for my honest review!

HOPE for the future can be found and anchoring to the North star can help show the way.
This is the story of some children who need to live in a care home for a time and while all miss their own homes, some will return there and others will find different forever homes. Sometimes that is a very long time, but it is bearable if there is a kind and giving carer who can help the child to remain hopeful.
Fatima Whitbread did spend years in a care home and later won an Olympic medal for England.
The illustrations by Rhian Wright are happy, colorful, and fun!
Well suited for reading WITH someone of ANY age including ESL, and fine for gifting to anyone, but especially to a school or your local public library!
I requested and received a temporary e-book on Adobe Digital Editions provided by Quarto Publishing Group – words & pictures via NetGalley. Thank you!

This is a beautiful story of a young child living in a foster home, awaiting her forever family. The story was a true testament to the authors own experiences growing up. I thought this book was touching and would be a great read for children in or outside of a foster care setting.